Beginning in the early 20th century, abstract art became a leading style of modernism. Rather than portray the world in a way that represented reality, as had been the dominating style of Western art in the previous centuries, abstract paintings, prints and sculptures are marked by a shift to geometric forms, gestural shapes and experimentation with color to express ideas, subject matter and scenes.
Although abstract art flourished in the early 1900s, propelled by movements like Fauvism and Cubism, it was rooted in the 19th century. In the 1840s, J.M.W. Turner emphasized light and motion for atmospheric paintings in which concrete details were blurred, and Paul Cézanne challenged traditional expectations of perspective in the 1890s.
Some of the earliest abstract artists — Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint — expanded on these breakthroughs while using vivid colors and forms to channel spiritual concepts. Painter Piet Mondrian, a Dutch pioneer of the art movement, explored geometric abstraction partly owing to his belief in Theosophy, which is grounded in a search for higher spiritual truths and embraces philosophers of the Renaissance period and medieval mystics. Black Square, a daringly simple 1913 work by Russian artist Kazimir Malevich, was a watershed statement on creating art that was free “from the dead weight of the real world,” as he later wrote.
Surrealism in the 1920s, led by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Meret Oppenheim and others, saw painters creating abstract pieces in order to connect to the subconscious. When Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York during the mid-20th century, it similarly centered on the process of creation, in which Helen Frankenthaler’s expressive “soak-stain” technique, Jackson Pollock’s drips of paint, and Mark Rothko’s planes of color were a radical new type of abstraction.
Conceptual art, Pop art, Hard-Edge painting and many other movements offered fresh approaches to abstraction that continued into the 21st century, with major contemporary artists now exploring it, including Anish Kapoor, Mark Bradford, El Anatsui and Julie Mehretu.
Find original abstract paintings, sculptures, prints and other art on 1stDibs.
$6,500
Rare 1970 Israeli Abstract Sculpture Steel Menashe Kadishman Suspension
Located in Surfside, FL
Beautiful table top sculpture by renowned Israeli sculptor Menashe Kadishman. Super quality, and visually stunning. There is a large sculpture of his in Rabin Square in the heart of ...
Stainless Steel
$900
Catalyst for Consciousness - Flow Contemporary Abstract Showpiece Detail Lively
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Catalyst for Consciousness Flow Contemporary Abstract Showpiece Bright Lively This series expresses our unity and our interconnectedness. We are dancing to a traverse tune ...
Oil, Acrylic
$76,207
No.210624 by Thierry Martenon - large wall sculpture, abstract geometric, wood
Located in Paris, FR
No.210624 is an abstract sculpture in wood by French sculptor Thierry Martenon. A group of textured, pointed, and curved sculptures reminiscent of a forest of sculptural forms. The a...
Wood
$3,850
Francis Bacon - Art Card: Painting, 1946. (Hand Signed and inscribed), Framed
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph postcard Boldly signed and inscribed in marker by Francis Bacon in his inimitable hand on the verso, signed ca. 1972 This card was published by the Museum of Modern...
Postcard
Joan Miró Exhibition Poster, 1976 Barcelona - Prèsencia de Joan Prats
By Joan Miró
Located in Winterswijk, NL
Discover a striking piece of art history with this Joan Miró exhibition poster created for the Prèsencia de Joan Prats exhibition in Barcel...
Paper
$3,000
Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel (Prefatio) Poster /// Bauhaus Josef Albers Art
By Josef Albers
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: (after) Josef Albers (German-American, 1888-1976) Title: "Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel (Prefatio)" Year: 1957 Medium: Original Relief Print (Letterpress), Exhibition Poster on light wove paper Limited edition: Unknown Printer: Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel, Kassel, Germany Publisher: Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel, Kassel, Germany Sheet size: 24.75" x 17.63" Image size: 11.75" x 15.63" Condition: A few faint handling creases. Never framed, has been professionally stored away for decades. In excellent condition Extremely rare Notes: Provenance: private collection - Nuremberg, Germany. Poster produced for a special exhibition of Albers' work "Early Pictures from the Twenties and New Works" at the Staatliche Werkkunstschule Kassel from May 28 - June 8, 1957. The image featured on this poster is Albers' 1942 lithograph edition "Prefatio", (Danilowitz No. 103, page 76), from his 1942 "Graphic Tectonics" series of 9 lithographs, (Danilowitz No. 100-108, page 74-79). Printer's imprint upper right. This is an extremely rare poster being if not the, one of the, earliest documented Josef Albers exhibition...
Paper
Blue Horizons
By Gary Mankus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This unframed, signed, limited edition pigment print by artist Gary Mankus exists in an edition of 40. Paper size is 24"h x 48"w with an image size of 18.5"h x 41"w. Gary Mankus was...
Photographic Paper, Digital, Pigment, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment
White folds 12. 3D abstraction
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting, created on canvas with clay, depicts soft, flowing folds that create the impression of draped fabric. The entire piece is rendered in a pure white color, giving it eleg...
Clay, Canvas, Acrylic
$4,472
Les lopins, Green Landscape, Expressionism, Textured, Fields, Oil on canvas
Located in LANGRUNE-SUR-MER, FR
Choose the color of the frame: black or wood Framed dimensions: 72 x 88 cm (28.3 x 34.6 in) unframed: 65 x 81 cm (25.6 x 32 in) Signed by the artist and a certificate is delivred. Re...
Oil
$373Sale Price|25% Off
Original-Drawing Time-Rain Moonlight-British Awarded Artist-Ink and Gold Leaf
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
This Ink and Gold Leaf on watercolour paper, named Rain Moonlight, is a part of Drawing Time Series by Award winning British artist Shizico Yi. She created the painting in her gard...
Gold Leaf
Ky Anderson "Fallen Parts 24.1" 2024 Acrylic on paper
By Ky Anderson
Located in New York, NY
Artist Statement: My work falls somewhere between abstraction, formalism and narrative painting. I see the content and story when I look at my work, but shape and color are equally ...
Paper, Acrylic
$2,981
ABSTRACT Wood Sculpture Landscapes Black Contemporary Jonathan Freemantle
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
This sculpture consists of two pieces. The dimensions of each piece are: 51x8x8 cm and 47x8x8 cm respectively. At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its originality and provenance. We offer secure worldwide delivery to any address you specify, ensuring that your purchase arrives in pristine condition. If you require additional shipping options or a bespoke quote from our trusted network of carriers, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you find the best solutions for a smooth and secure delivery experience. Born: 1978, Cape Town, South Africa. Lives and works: Edinburgh, Scotland. Jonathan Freemantle...
Stone, Iron
Golden Thread - Painting Abstract Expression Gilding Calm Ocean Blue Abundance
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Golden Thread Golden Thread - Painting Abstract Expression Gilding Calm Ocean Blue Abundance Gold In this piece, I've embraced the dance of harmony and flow. With featherli...
Gold Leaf
Nawa
Located in Napa, CA
René Romero Schuler is an American painter and sculptor who creates powerful images that speak to the complexities of the human condition and the spirit that connects all human being...
Canvas, Oil
$2,700
FS 212 - Soft pastel color orange, pink, beige abstract geometric watercolor
By Evan Venegas
Located in New York, NY
Evan Venegas studied at the San Francisco Art Institute and earned his BFA in Painting in 1998. Evan Venegas creates artwork that lives at the intersection of geometry and atmosphere...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Geometric Composition - Original Lithograph
By Max Bill
Located in Paris, IDF
Max BILL (1908-1994) Geometric composition, 1975 Original lithograph (Mourlot workshop) Unsigned Limited edition of 575 unnumbered copies On Arches vellum paper 35 x 27 cm (c. 14 x ...
Lithograph
$2,391
581, Contemporary Abstract Painting, Bright Statement Art, Geometric Painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Original abstract painting Discover new works by Jessie Woodward available to buy online and in our art gallery. Jessie Woodward is an abstract painter and mixed media artist. She ha...
Canvas, Acrylic, Oil Pastel, Pen
Space Scope, Abstract Expressionist Lithograph by Jay Milder
By Jay Milder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Jay Milder, American (1934 - ) Title: Space Scope Medium: Lithograph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 275 Size: 27.5 x 39.5 in. (69.85 x 100.33 cm)
Lithograph
$2,800
Raspberry 2 - Red Abstract Circles Contemporary Metal Free Standing Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Inspired by dance and weightlessness, Granville Beals' industrial metal sculptures are primarily about relationships. Concerned with form and abstraction, he does not merely manipula...
Metal, Steel
$159Sale Price|20% Off
Jasper Johns Within from the Chicago Art Institute
By Jasper Johns
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is a first edition exhibition poster titled Within by Jasper Johns, created for the landmark exhibition Jasper Johns: Gray, jointly presented by the Art Institute of Chicago and...
Offset
Richard Serra 'Videy Afangar #6' Limited Edition, Signed Etching Print
Located in San Rafael, CA
Richard Serra (born 1939) Videy Afangar #6, from Videy Afangar Series, 1991 Etching on Hahnemühle paper Signed and dated in pencil lower right Edition 73/75 (there were also 20 artis...
Etching
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Epicenter I (Limited Edition Of Only 30 Prints On Canvas)
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
**FALL SUPER SALE UNTIL OCTOBER 13TH** **IMPORTANT: This is Limited edition of 30 museum quality prints on CANVAS, signed and numbered by the artist. A "Certificate of Authenticit...
Cotton Canvas
0315. Abstract Painting on Canvas, Acrylic
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The process of creating a painting leaves behind a series of elements that become the starting point for a new piece. A mark, a line, color and shape become elements of a new paintin...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,752Sale Price|20% Off
Tension Of A Dream, abstract, bold, statement, de Kooning, texture, water, blue
By Lloyd Tabing
Located in Jönköping, SE
This painting is part of a new series that embodies my ongoing artistic journey. I begin each piece with an initial idea or thought. However, as the painting evolves, I find myself r...
Mixed Media, Acrylic
$1,600
Untitled
By Arlene Scult
Located in New York, NY
Arlene Scult, Untitled, Abstract Mixed Media/ Pen and Ink, 27 x 37 Colors: Black, White, Brown Unframed - 20 x 29.50
Paper, Pen
Abstraction colorée
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph Edition : 44/75 52.00 cm. x 73.00 cm. 20.47 in. x 28.74 in. (paper) 45.00 cm. x 59.00 cm. 17.72 in. x 23.23 in. (image) Handsigned by the artist in pencil Certificate of...
Lithograph
Radiant 08
Located in Edinburgh, GB
This wall sculpture is part of the “Radiant” series. The work explores the interaction between structure, light, and tactile surface. Carved lines radiate from the center, forming a...
Wood
$2,769Sale Price|30% Off
All Roads Are Winding, nature, orange, beige, navy blue, Joan Mitchell, red
By Lloyd Tabing
Located in Jönköping, SE
This painting is from my series titled "The Untethered Soul." This series delves into the transformative power of nature, capturing the essence of what one feels rather than sees. In...
Raw Linen, Acrylic
Envie d'autre chose, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Emily STARCK
Located in Yardley, PA
Work of abstraction in a colorful palette. Realized in several layers with free and energic brush strokes. Professional and high quality painting with anti UV protection and velvet...
Acrylic
$2,144Sale Price|20% Off
Retrato Fondo Negro, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 106 x 106 cm Signed FREE SHIPPING ROLLED UP About the artist Enrique Pichardo (Mexico City, 1973) graduated from Escuela Naci...
Canvas, Acrylic
A Bunch of Joy: Acrylic, Painting, Abstract, Expressionist, Ready to hang
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: A Bunch of Joy Floral Gem Joy Flowers Nature Colorful Investment Energy Mother Earth This small-scale artwork, will shine light and joy in the collector's space. A Bunch of...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Floral Still-life Acrylic Painting, Abstract Expressionism, Original
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: It's Beautiful Floral Still-life Colorful Delight Invest Flowers Bouquet Joy Energy Captivating This small-scale painting will energize the collectors space with abundance a...
Gesso, Canvas, Wood, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
In a fearless reality, Painting, Acrylic on Canvas
By Nestor Toro
Located in Yardley, PA
Each color in this impactful painting was hand mixed with mica particles and iridescent mediums to make the lavender, orange, yellow, purple, blue and teal all pop and shine. The col...
Acrylic
Dance '72
By Sam Gilliam
Located in New York, NY
Color screenprint, 1972. Signed by the artist and dated in pencil, lower right margin. Numbered 24/60 in pencil lower left,. Printed and published by Workshop, Inc., Washington, DC...
Screen
$35,000
Convergence - abstract, geometric, corten and stainless steel outdoor sculpture
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract outdoor sculpture is forged from steel. The dynamic, eclectic sculptural work of Quebec artist Claude Millette is highly regarded for its innovation in bo...
Stainless Steel, Steel
$516
Contemporary abstract figurative woman's portrait on paper "Silent beauty"
Located in VÉNISSIEUX, FR
“Silent Beauty” is a contemporary figurative portrait by French artist Natalya Mougenot, exploring feminine identity, vulnerability, and inner strength through expressive color and i...
Paper, Acrylic
T Series (Blue), Geometric Abstract Screenprint by Arthur Boden
By Arthur Boden
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Arthur Boden, American Title: T Series (Blue) Year: circa 1970 Medium: Serigraph, signed and numbered in pencil Edition: 100 Size: 29 in. x 23 in....
Screen
Vibrant Abstract with Bold Colours French 20th Century Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Expressionist Composition by Gilbert Pelissier (French born 1924) oil painting on canvas, unframed canvas size: 15 x 31.5 inches condition: overall very good, a few minor su...
Canvas, Oil
#45, Abstract, Photography, Painting, Expressionism
Located in München, BY
Unique piece More sizes and an Essay from Lyle Rexer about this series on request. Joachim Schmeisser’s work rescues photography from the centuries-old straightjacket of realism to...
Pigment
$1,150
Red Codec, Abstract Painting, Blue and Yellow Layers, Acrylic Paint on Paper
Located in Barcelona, ES
Details: Title: Red Codec Medium: Acrylic Painting Monoprinting on Paper Size: 83x65 cm ( 32.7 x 25.6 inches) Year: 2024 * Frame is for illustrative purposes only. Artwork shipped c...
Acrylic, Watercolor, Handmade Paper
$15,480
Sasha 2
By Alex Katz
Located in Paris, FR
Lithograph, 2016 Edition : 68/100 Publisher : Lococo Fine Art (St. Louis) Printer : Lococo Fine Art (St. Louis) Catalogue : [Cantz 602, p. 344] Image dimensions : 86.00 cm. x 86.00 c...
Archival Pigment
Where the Light Falls, Elaine Fox, Contemporary Landscape Painting
Located in Deddington, GB
Where the Light Falls [2022] Signed by the artist oil and oil pastel on canvas Image size: H:50 cm x W:50 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:50 cm x W:50 cm x D:4cm Frame Size: H:54 cm x W:54 cm x D:5.5cm Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look A painting completed in the studio after a visit to the Outer Hebrides, the unpredictable weather patterns and light played an important role in creating this piece. The weather on Skye is forever changing and the dramatic and mystical landscapes are what inspires me to try to capture the feeling of energy and atmosphere. This painting is framed in a white tray frame to fit with any decor. laine Fox - Artist - Painter Elaine Fox...
Canvas, Oil Pastel, Oil
'Lily in Charcoal' abstract expressionism photography edition 3 of 10
By Ugne Pouwell
Located in London, GB
'Lily in Charcoal' 2023 From raw energy to sublime. 'Lily in Charcoal' is an expression piece combining an abstract charcoal drawing with a live lily emerging from a gash. The charc...
Paper, Photographic Film, Charcoal, Archival Ink, Archival Paper
$420
White and Blue Abstract Nautical Cyanotype of Crashing Waters, Coastal Lifestyle
By Kind of Cyan
Located in Barcelona, ES
This is an exclusive handprinted limited edition cyanotype. "Abstract Crashing Water" is an original cyanotype that detailed portraits the eruptions and shapes of salty water in move...
Watercolor, Lithograph, Paper
Affection - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 30in x 30in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Affection" is a captivating abstract modernist painting that presents a striking blend of mid-century expressionism and stylized, figurative surrealism. The artwork utilizes a caref...
Canvas, Acrylic
My Inner Child Garden - Large Soft Abstract Floral Painting
By Vè Boisvert
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Drawing inspiration from an immersive and impressionistic interpretation of nature, Canadian artist Vé Boisvert paints textural original artworks that capture the fleeting effects of...
Canvas, Acrylic
$100Sale Price|20% Off
Art Chicago (No Text) Lithograph Print, Abstract, 1981, Unframed
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Originally produced for the 1981 art show at Navy Pier in Chicago, these posters were part of an estimated edition size of about 2,000. The cropped version is particularly rare, as i...
Lithograph
$1,720
ABSTRACT Geometry Pink Painting by Contemporary German Artist Carolin Kreutzer
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
$920
Late Summer Fruit, Cold Green, Pink Large Abstract Diptych, Impressionist Shapes
Located in Barcelona, ES
"Late Summer Fruit" is an abstract painting triptych by Spanish artist Natalia Roman. It is a beautiful combination of organic shapes in subtle tones and a classy gamut of colors. Th...
Acrylic, Paper
Patricia Zippin "Study for Anaganaga 2/6" 1980s Abstract Painting
Located in Arp, TX
Patricia Zippin Study For Anaganaga 2/6 1980s Mixed Media 30"x 23", unframed Signed in pencil bottom right and titled bottom left and signed and titled in pencil on reverse Patricia...
Encaustic, Acrylic, Pencil
$560Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Valley 2 (Cyanotype framed to 29 x 23 inches)
By Christine So
Located in Oakland, CA
Though it resembles a giant abstract watercolor painting owing to its soft gradations and luminous quality, this is a form of photography called a cyanotype, photogram or sun print. ...
Paper, Archival Paper, Rag Paper, Monotype, Photogram
$1,257
Original-Dusk to Moonlight-Sunset Song Series-After Van Gogh-Awarded WomanArtist
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Dusk to Moonlight was developed over a period of eight months, painted en plein air from the same viewpoint across three seasons between the summer of 2025 and June 2026. Returning r...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic, Wood Panel
Composition Lithograph, Abstract Style, Signed, Edition of 150, 1961
Located in Roma, IT
Hand signed and numbered by artist with pencil. Edition of 150 prints. Very good conditions.
Lithograph
Red fish
By Irina Burda
Located in Zofingen, AG
The red fish is a symbol of confidence, stable good fortune, and abundance. It represents moving in one’s own rhythm, trusting intuition, and inner stability. The red color emphasize...
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Liquid Matter, Abstract Oil Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
Bright, vibrant colors create a dreamlike abstract composition. Primarily painted in soothing blues and greens, the piece features splashes of red that catch the eye. Artist Dorothy Gaziano...
Oil
Rust Sapath II
By Halsey Chait
Located in New York, NY
"Rust Sapath II" by Halsey Chait India Ink Drawing on Strathmore Paper 20" x 20"
India Ink, Ink, Paper
$3,325
On Hansen Abstract Mixed Media Painting in Earth Tones with Gestural Marks 2025
By On Hansen
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of Au...
Canvas, Ink, Acrylic
"Merciful" Abstract Calligraphy Painting 32" x 32" inch by Mohamed Hassan
Located in Culver City, CA
"Merciful" Abstract Calligraphy Painting 32" x 32" inch by Mohamed Hassan Medium: ink & gold leaf on paper Mohamed Hassan is a traditional Arabic calligraphist, he obtained his...
Gold Leaf
Donald Lipski 'Roland Garros French Open' 1995- Poster
Located in Brooklyn, NY
In 1995, American sculptor Donald Lipski was commissioned to design the official poster for the French Open at Roland Garros. Known for his innovative installations and large-scale p...
Offset
W3-Dimensional 28, Felipe Pantone, 2018
Located in Draper, UT
W3-Dimensional 28, Felipe Pantone, 2018. Comes in custom box with Certificate of Authentication. Rare piece, very beautiful! 13.2 in x 13.6 in
Glass, Plexiglass, Ink